To provide more timely and useful air pollution information to the public, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) launches the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to replace the Air Pollution Index (API) from 30 December 2013.

The AQHI informs you of the short-term health risk of air pollution and helps you take precautionary measures to protect your health.

The AQHIs are reported on a scale of 1 to 10 and 10+ and are grouped into five health risk categories as shown below.

Health Risk

Low

Moderate

High

Very High

Serious

AQHI Scale

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

10+

The AQHIs are reported hourly at each ambient (“General AQHI”) and roadside (“Roadside AQHI”) station. We also provide AQHI forecast which serves to alert you before the onset of serious air pollution episodes. Relevant health advice is also provided, especially for susceptible groups such as children, elderly and those with heart or respiratory illnesses.